[Arthur McGowan]

Well, clerical CONTINENCE is the subject, not celibacy.

I don’t rightly know what all those churches practice regarding clerical continence, even though they don’t require celibacy.

When I say that perfect, perpetual continence is linked to proximity to the altar, I don’t mean, of course, that it is logically required, such that failure to practice celibacy logically requires denial of the Real Presence or the sacrificial nature of the Mass. So, of course, I am not implying that the Orthodox and Catholic churches that don’t have a celibate clergy deny the Real Presence.

According to what I have read, continence for all those who minister at the Eucharist (major orders) goes back to the apostles.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Dear Arthur ---- As far as I know, the tradition of priestly continence is observed in Orthodoxy(and maybe in Eastern Catholicism) only in that the married priest abstains from intercourse with his wife ("fasts") for a period of time --- like maybe, a day ---- before offering the Divine Liturgy.

I am no expert on this. Perhaps you can tell us more, Hostage?

[Iscool]

According to what I have read, continence for all those who minister at the Eucharist (major orders) goes back to the apostles.

The apostles did not administer a Eucharist but those who did minister communion were married with families...That was a requirement...Perhaps you should get your information from a bible...